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Travelers coming to this land not only witness breathtaking scenery but also immerse themselves in unique cultural and traditional aspects. The Xe Dang village gate statue at the Quang Nam tourist destination is a masterpiece deeply infused with both artistic and spiritual significance of the Xe Dang people.
The village gate statue in folk belief
Visitors to Quang Nam tourist destination, when visiting the Xe Dang village, always see a pair of human-shaped village gate statues placed in front of the village gate, known as ancestral spirits in the Xe Dang language. According to the village chief, the Xe Dang people have always believed in supernatural beings, gods, and spirits to pray for the protection of their peaceful, happy life, and abundant harvests.
The customs and traditions of the Xe Dang people are deeply rooted in their reverence for the rice plant, which symbolizes their homeland and ancestral heritage. When establishing a new village, they always bring along rice plants to cultivate, believing that the land they inhabit is always blessed by spiritual beings. A rice plant embodies eternal life and resilience, signifying strength and sustainability.
The Xe Dang people construct low wooden houses with rectangular shapes and thatched roofs. The upper floor serves as living quarters while the lower part is used for storage and livestock. Each house is equipped with a gutter for collecting rainwater for drinking and household use. According to tradition, when a cluster of 5 to 6 houses, comprising 60 to 85 households, forms a village, they build a communal Rong house for gatherings, traditional festivals, and important community discussions.
Every spring, the Xe Dang people in this tourist destination perform rituals to repair and bless their water gutters. During this time, each Xe Dang village sacrifices a dog, pouring its blood into the village's water source, then using this water for ceremonial offerings to the village spirits. The village elders also apply the dog's blood to statues at the village gate.
Annually, as spring arrives, the Xe Dang people observe a tradition of repairing and conducting rituals to bless their water gutters at this tourist destination. Simultaneously, each Xe Dang village sacrifices a dog, pouring its blood into the village's water source at the water pavilion, then using this blood-infused water for ceremonial offerings to the village deities. The village elders also apply the dog's blood to statues positioned at the village entrance.
The Xe Dang people customarily plant the teeth of dogs into the ground near their statues after completing rituals. Locals believe that dogs are loyal companions, aiding in home protection and signaling any intrusion into the village. The village gate statue is revered as a guardian deity that has influenced human life and community beliefs since ancient times.
Visitors should make a point to explore the tourist destination of Quang Nam – the village gate statue of the Xe Dang people. It offers unique insights into the spiritual culture of the Xe Dang ethnic group.
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